This coin depicts the Red Dragon of Wales, the 2 oz silver bullion coin of the Queen’s Beast series. It is the third coin in a series of 10, designed by the engraver Jody Clark. The design is inspired by centuries of royal heraldry traditions, and the series depicts the ten heraldry beasts standing guard at the coronation of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II.

The obverse of the coin features the fifth update of the portrait of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II, with the portrait also designed by Jody Clark, and an abbreviation of DG REG FD, which is a Latin abbreviation meaning “Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensor”, or “Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith”. The obverse also features the coin denomination, which is 5 British pounds.

The reverse of the coin features a stylish rendition of a great red dragon, clutching England’s heraldic shield and surrounded by the text “Red Dragon of Wales”. The level of detail captured in the image of the dragon is amazing. It represents sovereignty and power, and is the emblem of Wales. The weight, purity, metal content and date of the coin are also included, as well as the offset initials of the coin designer.

The other heraldic animals in the coin series so far are the Lion of England and the Griffin, associated with Edward III. The whole series is distinct with the utmost dedication to minting coinage that reflects and represents the nation’s rich heritage. The statues of the heraldry beasts have been originally created in 1953 for the Queen’s coronation. Currently the plaster figures are displayed in the Canadian Museum of History.